Yes, you are.

Shinu answered, knowingly answering the wrong question. It was the answer he wanted though. He felt wonderful, a beautiful day with a beautiful girl in every sense of the word. The skies were his, the ocean was his, the day was his. The only thing he hadn't won yet, was right in his arms. As long as that was the case, it could stay that way.

Nioelle blushed even more.

I'm not..really anything, compared to others.

She decided it was time to reveal her feelings, as well.

You see...I, uhm, I like you too.

Shinu's head popped up when she finished speaking.

I'm glad you feel that way, but I don't know if I'm the guy you want to go falling for. The fate of the world is in my hands at this point in my life, and every day is going to be something new. As much as I like you, I'm almost afraid to fall for you. What if I die?

His heart was hurting now. He had to be honest too. If he couldn't save the world, all would be lost. If saving the world meant his life, what would that do for her? He didn't know how to fix things.

I'll fix it. For now, let's just enjoy each other as much as we can. If I have to live in the library and science lab, I will find a way to fix this.

Nioelle was crushed to the point of tears.

Oh, yes. I didn't mean anything by it, just thought I'd be honest.

She closed her eyes, wishing she could take it back. His last statement sunk in.

Please, don't hurt yourself finding a way. I'm nothing special to die over.

That's for me to decide. Besides, I can talk to you every second for the rest of my life and come to the same conclusion. You're unlike any other person I've ever met.

Shinu's mind started flipping through all of his options. He was so smart... that he already concluded nothing in the known world could stop his fate from coming true. But that was the known world, and he was brilliant. He was going to come up with something to keep her.

I'm not going to die. For that matter, you're not either. There's someone at this school, he might just hold the key. But I don't want to bore you with science. Right now...

He just stopped talking. He usually never stopped his sentences short like that. He just, wanted to look at her.

You're wonderful.

Nioelle opened her eyes and smiled.

I'm glad you think so. Thank you. You really are too nice.

No no, just honest. You have to remove all doubt about yourself. If either have us has any doubt, we're in the wrong place. That's why I'm here, to gain confidence. Until today, I didn't have much to fight for. But I won't fail you.

Shinu finally swallowed all of his fears. He was going to get the girl he wanted, just like he would save this world. He got on his knees, still towering above the water, and kissed her. His lips planted so gently on hers, it was as if he wasn't a large guy anymore, but a soft specimen. He pressed them a bit more, their lips locking enough to make time and the ocean itself stand still.

Nioelle was surprized from the kiss. In a second, though, she hid all signs of it.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, half to hold her above the water, half to hold onto him. Everything seemed so perfect in that moment, just the two of them and the ocean. Everything was so beautiful around her.

Shinu, I...

She decided to leave words behind and kiss him again.

Today was full of firsts for Shinu. This one was absence of thought. People used to call him a machine, something that proccessed data and spit it back out in any form. He never spent a moment without though... until now. Realistically, they weren't kissing that long, but it sure felt like it. Still, not long enough for Shinu, forever was the only thing that could match the time he needed in this moment.

Nini I hate to say it, but today you changed the course of history. Before today, I was a boy that had high hopes. Before I sleep, I will be a man with more than just one world to fight for. You, Nioelle, you will be the deciding factor in everything. I wish, I wish I could tell you everything!

Nioelle smiled, staring into his eyes.

I would listen to it all, Shinu. I'd go without sleep if I had to. I want....I want to help you in any way I can. Please, let me help!